1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1989 Donkervoort S8
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Donkervoort S8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Donkervoort S8 would be higher. At 1,992 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Donkervoort S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (120 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1989 Donkervoort S8. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1989 Donkervoort S8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Donkervoort S8 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1989 Donkervoort S8 (166 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1989 Donkervoort S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1989 Donkervoort S8 | |
| Make | Caterham | Donkervoort |
| Model | Super 7 | S8 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 3610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1110 mm |
